Molino Basin Group

Molino Basin Group is a Forest Service campground in the Santa Catalina Ranger District of Coronado National Forest in Arizona, about a tenth of a mile from the Molino campground and picnic area. It sits lower on the slopes of the Santa Catalina Mountains than most other campgrounds in the Catalina District, which makes it an unusual choice for winter and early spring visits. While those other sites close in the cold months, Molino stays open then, and the weather is mild enough to make it a good time to go. The campground lies in a savannah of desert grassland dotted with oaks, with campsites set along the banks of Molino Creek. The creek flows only during and immediately after rain or snowmelt, and cottonwood, Arizona live oak and mesquite trees add to the scenery. The surrounding hills are rugged and rocky, and the roads in the campground are paved. Facilities are accessible, with accessible tent pads, walkways and picnic tables among the group campsite's features. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Oracle put November highs around 64°F with lows near 42°F, and April highs around 71°F with lows near 46°F. Summer is hotter and wetter, with July highs near 91°F and about nine wet days. Molino Basin Boulders and the Bellota Trail #15 are both about 0.4 miles away, and the Molino Basin Trail #11 is a similar distance. The Aviator hike is about half a mile off.